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“Why?”
“No reason. Just heard some rumors and wanted to look into them. Your father has been out of the business for a while now, right?” I was pushing my luck by going to his father. If my father found out the questions I had been asking, it would be my fucking head.
“Wilder, I don’t like where this is headed. Your father is not a reasonable man. And you asking about your mother could start something that would end with violence. You know that.” Levi looked worried. Most likely for his father, but some of his worry was for me too.
“I’ll be careful. No one has to know about me meeting with your dad.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to him. No promises though.” Levi grabbed his bag and headed out the door.
12
Chapter 12
ANNA
The living room was littered with books, dishes, and blankets. A small mountain of tissues had accumulated on the coffee table in front of the couch where I was scrunched up. My big comforter was wrapped around me and I hadn’t been out of my PJs all day. Luna lay on my feet and rested her head on my leg. She knew I didn’t feel well. I had been mainlining Gatorade and jello most of the day without recovery in sight.
I restarted Criminal Minds and binge watched the first couple of seasons. I was definitely shipping Penelope and Derek, again. How did we miss out on what could be potentially the best TV romance of our generation? My phone vibrated off the coffee table lighting up with Wilder’s name on the screen. Just seeing his name made me smile involuntarily.
What are you up to tonight?
I felt like a teenager. I still had that giddy feeling whenever we were around each other or whenever he texted me. He never said much in his texts, but that just mirrored him in real life. But the silence felt complimentary to me. It didn’t feel awkward like two strangers trying to make small talk. We had hung out a few more times since our first date. He said it was unacceptable for him to be complicit knowing I hadn’t seen the sights of Chicago yet. He had taken me to see some museums and we found a go-kart track, which was my idea. A movie and just lots of talking over dinner. Work had interrupted a couple of times. His work, not mine. I was still not quite sure exactly what business he actually had. And even though it was too soon, I was head over heels. I just hoped he was too.
I responded. nothing. home sick.
Want me to keep you company? :)
Again with these dang smiles. Letting him know to just walk in when he got here, I managed to change into stain free pajamas and throw the empty jello containers away before I go back to my show. Luna would let me know when Wilder got here. My good guardian girl.
“Hey babe.” a deep voice rubble followed by the door shutting behind him. God…his voice was so sexy. And it was the first time he’d called me babe. The butterflies were freaking out.
“Hey. How was work? You look exhausted.” Despite the goofy smile on my face that I had no control over, I was just keeping things chill, I still didn’t know how serious we were. He still didn’t let a lot show through. That’s probably a red flag, wasn’t it?
“Busy, pulled an all-nighter. Mind if I join you?” Wilder took his shoes off and hung his suit jacket over a chair. He scooted over next to me and I lay my head on his lap. Luna took the opportunity to push past me, sitting on my head to get scratches from Wilder. “What’s wrong?” he asked after giving Luna attention and putting her off the couch.
“I think it’s just a cold. Headache, my tummy hurts. I don’t really know.”
“Anything I can do to help?” Wilder asked.
“Just sit here with me. It’s nice to be cuddled up with you. Do you mind if we watch Criminal Minds?”
“Not at all.” His hand trailed back and forth over my shoulder.
I wasn’t sure what was different but Wilder was really… tense. I didn’t know if that was the right word. On our dates recently his walls were down a bit. He seemed less like the all-powerful businessman and more like a normal person. But tonight, I could see the danger in his eyes again.
13
Chapter 13
ANNA
Luna had been so excited to go to work with me today. Her butt wiggled all the way to the starting line. It was a 5k run with your doggy friend. I didn’t run in the race but Luna had run with Wilder. Be still my heart, I said to myself while watching Wilder cross the finish line and the butterflies in my belly bounced around.
“Dang, girl. You got yourself some eye candy” Alexis stared at Wilder, shirtless and tattooed, while he gave Luna some water.
“I’m not going to argue with you on that one. He ran with Luna today.”
“You better hold tight. Good looking, rich, and a dog lover. You hit the jackpot. How are things going with you two?”
